Helping with Special Needs
The needs of people in Missionland USA are many and diverse. This page offers suggestions on how school children, parishes, and individuals can participate in the Mission of the Church in rural America.
For further information on these and other projects please contact Richard at (270) 686-8401 or email. Our mailing address for UPS purposes is 405 West Parrish Avenue, Owensboro, KY 42301. Please send all packages to this address.
Back to School Supplies:
It's difficult enough to go back to school with shabby clothing, but when a child doesn't have the resources needed for school supplies there is added embarrassment. Your church might want to gather useful items and make up 'back-to-school' kits for the children in the missions.
Some Suggestions:
Ruler, Pencils, Pens, Markers, Note pads, Blunt Scissors, Calendar, Paste, Tape, Eraser, Pencil Case, Binders
Baby Shower:
Many children in Missionland USA are born into real poverty. How about encouraging each class member to bring in items that would help a new mother make her baby comfortable. Then get together as a class and make up baby 'layettes'. These could be distributed to needy mothers while still in the hospital in our mission areas.
Some Suggestions:
Bibs, Diapers, T-Shirts, Onesies, Plastic Pants, Booties, Socks, Blankets, Sleepers, Rattle, Baby Wipes, Baby Lotion, Baby Shampoo, Baby Powder
Household Needs:
During the winter months it is not uncommon to have whole families left homeless because fire has destroyed their homes. The Sisters are frequently called on to help them with needed household items.
Some Suggestions:
Blankets, Sheets, Pillows, Pillow Cases, Towels, Dish Cloths, Bath Towels, Wash Cloths, Table cover, Place Mats, Curtains, Kitchen Utensils, Dishes, Cups, Glasses, Knives, Forks, Spoons, Toaster, Pots & Pans, Clock
Christmas Giving Tree:
A list of needs is distributed upon request. Children can choose which items they can bring. This project can be done by individual classes or the whole school could participate in it.
Newborn - See 'Baby Shower Suggestions'
Toddler - Blanket, Socks, Weaning Cup, Mittens, Teething Ring, Comb/Brush Set, Stuffed Toy, Woolen Hat, Woolen Scarf, Educational Toy
Children - Mittens, Woolen Scarf, Woolen Hat, Coloring Book, Crayons, Modeling Clay, Toys and Games, Picture Books, Bubbles, Puzzles
Teens - Playing Cards, Games, Word Search Puzzles, Socks, Key Chains, Wallets, Model Kits, Hair Accessories, Purse, Jewelry
Mentally Challenged - Don't forget our special friends who enjoy receiving gifts.
Senior Citizens (Men) - Ties, Toiletries, Playing Cards, Handkerchiefs, Combs, Wallet, Work Gloves, Shaver
Senior Citizens (Women) - Scarf, Stationery, Pen, Stamps, Toiletries, Handkerchiefs, Jewelry, Picture Frames, Mirrors, Gloves, Comb/Brush
Food and Clothing Donations:
There is always a need in the missions for non-perishable food items. We also accept clothing donations at our central office in Owensboro, KY. For information on sending a donation, please email Richard.
Spreading the News:
The Glenmary Sisters can provide information on the needs of the Church in rural and small town America. One or more members of your class might want to do a project, create a poster or write an essay informing others about the special needs of the People of God in Missionland, USA.
Prayer Promise:
Please join us in praying the Prayer For the Home Missions written by the founder of the Glenmary Sisters, Father William Howard Bishop.